bulbs about 1 inch in diameter, narrow leaves, and conical clusters of
urn-shaped or tubular blossoms drooping from stems 3 to 6 inches high.
Although the Grape Hyacinths may be easily grown in patches or edgings
in the ordinary flower border, there is no place that shows off their
sheets of brilliant blue blossoms so well as a grassy bank, or a nook in
the rockery, where they should be planted in large numbers. They
naturally like a rich and well drained soil with plenty of grit or sand
in it, and some leaf-soil. The bulbs should be planted about 3 inches
deep in September and October, and when naturalised in the grass may be
left for several seasons without being disturbed. Most of the kinds
blossom in March, April, and May, and are easily increased by offsets.
Seeds may also be sown (see p. 36).
The following is a selection of the best kinds. The flowers are blue in
all cases, except where otherwise mentioned, and the general appearance
of the blossoms is as shown by _M. conicum_ in Plate 12, fig.
48:--_Armeniacum_; _botryoides_, with a white-flowered variety _album_;
_comosum_, the monstrous form of which, with twisted and wavy
bluish-violet filaments, is known as the Ostrich Feather Hyacinth;
_conicum_ (see Plate 12, fig. 48), of which there is a beautiful
brilliant blue variety called "Heavenly Blue." _Heldreichi_, like
_botryoides_, but larger; _Maweanum_; _neglectum_; _racemosum_;
_amphibolus_ porcelain blue; and _Szovitsianum_.
There are other colours besides blue among the Grape Hyacinths. Thus the
"Musk Hyacinth" (_M. moschatum_) has sweet-scented blossoms which change
from purple at first to greenish-yellow tinged with violet. It has a
yellow flowered variety called _flavum_ or _macrocarpum_. Some forms of
_neglectum_ are salmon-pink, while the blossoms of _M. paradoxum_ might
be described almost as black.
=NARCISSUS= (_Daffodil_).--What so charming in the spring-time as "a
host of Golden Daffodils"? The varieties are now almost legion, and they
are still being added to by enthusiastic hybridists in various parts of
the kingdom. The crossing of one section with another may possibly worry
the botanist, but there is no fear that the gardener will not welcome
any new variety that may be raised. Although thousands of the older
Daffodils may be bought for a few shillings, the rarer varieties still
command a respectably high price, and will naturally continue to do so
until the stock has been considerably increased.
There is scarcely a nook in the garden, large or small, where Daffodils
cannot be grown. And yet it is astonishing to note their general absence
from suburban gardens, where they would not only grow freely, but also
make a cheerful picture in the spring-time.
PLATE 26. LILIUM MARTAGON ALBUM (95) WATSONIA ARDERNEI (96) LILIUM
RUBELLUM (97) LILIUM COLCHICUM (98)
Daffodils--with the exception, perhaps, of a very few varieties--require
as little attention, and even less than Snowdrops or Crocuses. Once
planted they may be left undisturbed for years, and as each season comes
round they gaily shoot their blue-green strap-shaped leaves and creamy
or golden blossoms through the ground.
They grow in almost any soil, but prefer a rather stiff and well-drained
loam. They are appropriate in any situation in the flower border or
rockery. But their natural position is undoubtedly in the grass, or--
"Beside the lake, beneath the trees,
Fluttering and dancing in the breeze,"
As Wordsworth has it.
=When to Plant.=--The best time to plant Daffodil bulbs is from the end
of August to November. As there is a great difference in the size of the
bulbs, according to the variety, the depth of planting should vary
accordingly. Thus bulbs 1 to 2 inches deep from top of neck to base
should be planted quite 3 or 4 inches deep, while larger ones will be
planted 4 to 6 inches deep in proportion, and about the same distance
apart, except, of course, when they are used between other plants like
Tulips, Wallflowers, Polyanthuses, &c., for a combination display in
spring.
Most of the Daffodils are valuable for cutting and decorative purposes
generally when in season, and when one has the convenience of a
greenhouse--cold or otherwise--the flowering period can be extended from
Christmas onwards.
Daffodils are most easily increased by the offsets from the old bulbs.
These may be lifted in early summer, when the leaves have begun to turn
yellow. Seeds may also be sown when ripe (see page 36), but to secure
them the plants must be left much longer in the ground, so as to mature
them.
Nearly all kinds of Daffodils--especially those having only one flower
on a stem--may be grown in the open air. There are hundreds of varieties
to choose from, but the uninitiated may start with such kinds as the
beautiful white and flat-flowered "Poet's Narcissus" (_N. poeticus_),
which is also called the "Pheasant's Eye" Narcissus, because of the
crimson and orange circles round the rim of the flat saucer-like
"corona" in the centre (see Plate 7, fig. 29). There are several
varieties of the Poet's Narcissus, one of the best for ordinary purposes
being _ornatus_. Where the soil is particularly rich and well-drained
the double-flowered variety, called the "Gardenia" Narcissus, owing to
the shape of its beautiful white blossoms (see Plate 7, fig. 28), may be
grown. Unfortunately this variety often comes "blind," that is, the
blossoms remain undeveloped in the papery sheath on top of the stem. To
check this the bulbs are best lifted and transplanted early to fresh
soil. Another popular and easily-grown Daffodil is the common Double
Yellow one known as _Telamonius plenus_ or _Van Sion_. It is a form of
the Tenby Daffodil (_N. obvallaris_) which is a single form with
beautiful yellow flowers, having a large "trumpet" or corona in the
centre. Closely related to this is the Great Spanish Daffodil (_N.
major_) which has large bright lemon-yellow flowers, which are still
larger and of richer yellow in the variety _maximus_.
="Ajax" Daffodils.=--To these may be added the numerous forms, of which
the common Lent Lily (also called "Ajax" or "Trumpet Daffodil") is the
type, and which has pale sulphur-yellow blossoms with a lemon-yellow
"trumpet." Some of the finest Daffodils, with large spreading flowers
and correspondingly large and deep trumpets, belong to this section,
among which may be mentioned _Ard Righ_ or _Yellow King_, _C. W. Cowan_,
_Colleen Bawn_, _Emperor_, _Glory of Leiden_, _Golden Spur_, _Henry
Irving_, _Hudibras_, _John Nelson_, _Madame de Graaff_ (see Plate 4,
fig. 17), _Monarch_, _W. Goldring_, &c. All these have single flowers
varying in colour from almost pure white (as in _C. W. Cowan_, _Colleen
Bawn_, and _Madame de Graaff_) to deep golden-yellow in many of the
other varieties. There are a few double-flowered forms of the "Lent
Lily," the best known being _Capax_, lemon-yellow; _grandiplenus_, deep
yellow, _plenissimus_, and the Old Double Lent Lily grown in Gerarde's
garden over 300 years ago.
="Bicolor" Daffodils.=--Another very fine group of Trumpet Daffodils are
those known as "bicolors," so called because the spreading segments are
one colour (generally white or creamy), while the trumpet is another
colour (usually some shade of soft or deep yellow). Amongst the most
popular forms in this group may be mentioned _Ellen Willmott_ (see Plate
4, fig. 16), _Empress, Grandee_, _Horsfieldi_ (see Plate 4, fig. 18),
_Mrs. J. B. M. Camm_, _Mrs. Morland Crossfield,_ _Mrs. Walter T. Ware_,
_Princeps_ or _Irish Giant, Victoria,_ and _Weardale Perfection_ (see
Plate 6, fig. 26).
The "=Star Daffodils=" (_N. incomparabilis_) have spreading starry
petals, and a cup or chalice-like corona or trumpet in the centre. They
are a very free growing group, the commoner kinds of which (such as
_Autocrat_, _Cynosure_, _Stella_) may be naturalised in thousands in the
grass, where they may be seen at "a glance tossing their heads in
sprightly dance." Some other very fine forms are _C. J. Backhouse_,
_Frank Miles_, _Geo. Nicholson_, _Gloria Mundi_ (see Plate 5, fig. 21),
_Lulworth_ (see Plate 6, fig. 27), _Mary Anderson_, _Sir Watkin_ (see
Plate 5, fig. 23), and _Princess Mary of Cambridge_ (see Plate 5, fig.
21), &c., but there are many others. There are also several double
varieties of Star Daffodils, the most common being "Butter and Eggs,"
_Orange Phoenix_ (or _Eggs and Bacon_) and _Sulphur Phoenix_ (or
_Codlins and Cream_).
There are many other kinds of Daffodils which have only one flower on a
stem, many of them being natural or artificial hybrids. Space will not
permit detailed descriptions, but the following may be looked upon as
the best:--_Backhousei_, _Barri_ (with several forms), _Bernardi_,
_Burbidgei_, (with several forms), _gracilis_, _Humei_, _intermedius_,
_Johnstoni_ (with several forms), _Leedsi_ (with several fine forms),
_Macleayi_, _moschatus_ (with several forms, the best being _cernuus_),
_muticus_, and _Nelsoni_ (with several forms).
In the foregoing sections the blossoms are all of a fairly large size,
and borne on stalks a foot or more high. There is, however a charming
group in which the blossoms are in most cases comparatively small and
the flower stalks short. These kinds are valuable for planting in bold
masses in partially shaded places in the rockery, or in short grass.
_N. cyclamineus_ is a charming little Daffodil. It belongs to the Lent
Lily group botanically. The blossoms, however, are much smaller; the
segments being lemon-yellow, and abruptly turned back upon the stalk
from the orange-yellow cylindrical "trumpet." (See Plate 5, fig. 19.)
_N. minor_ is another miniature form of Lent Lily, with
gracefully-twisted sulphur-yellow segments surrounding a deeper yellow
spreading "trumpet." The variety _minimus_ is smaller still, with rich
yellow flowers, while _plenus_ (or _Rip Van Winkle_) is a double
variety.
One kind that differs conspicuously from all others is the "Hooped
Petticoat" or "Medusa Trumpet" Daffodil (_N. Bulbocodium_), at one time
considered a distinct genus (_Corbularia_). It is a charming species,
having bright-yellow flowers, the chief characteristic of which is the
cone-like or broadly funnel-shaped trumpet. There are several varieties,
such as _citrinus_ (lemon-yellow), _conspicuus_ (golden-yellow),
_Graellsi_ (primrose-yellow), _monophyllus_ (snow-white, leaves
solitary), _nivalis_, (orange-yellow).
PLATE 27. WATSONIA MERIANA (99) WATSONIA ALBA (100) WATSONIA ANGUSTA
(101) MONTBRETIA CROCOSMIAEFLORA (102)
=Polyanthus or Tazetta Narcissus.=--Passing from the Daffodils with
solitary flowers on a stalk, we come to a small group in which several
blossoms adorn the top of the stem. The most important of these is
perhaps the Polyanthus or Bunch Narcissus (_N. Tazetta_) which was
well-known to the old Greek and Roman poets, although in a wild state it
is met with eastwards across Europe and Asia, to China and Japan. The
typical _N. Tazetta_ has 4 to 8 flowers on top of the stem, the
spreading segments being pure white and the cup-shaped corona
lemon-yellow. There are many varieties, and although the individual
blossoms are not very large, they are sometimes produced in much larger
numbers than the type. The best-known varieties are the _Scilly White_,
_Grand Soleil d'or_, _Grand Monarque_ (Plate 6, figs. 24 and 25), and
the _Paper White_--all largely grown in the open air in the Scilly
Isles--but rather too tender for out-door cultivation in less favoured
parts of the kingdom.
Of late years, a Chinese form (really only _N. Tazetta_) called the
"Sacred Lily" or "Joss Flower," has attracted attention, and has been
recommended for growing in ornamental bowls, &c., in drawing-rooms, in a
compost (if it can be called such) of pebbles and clean water. The
common mistake made in growing the Joss Lily in this way is that the
plants do not get sufficient light in ordinary rooms, and consequently
both leaves and stems are too weak to stand erect.
Other Daffodils with several flowers on a stalk are the Sweet-Scented
Jonquil (_N. Jonquilla_), easily recognised by its roundish leaves and
rich yellow flowers with a cup-shaped corona. There are several
varieties including a double one known as "Queen Anne's Jonquil." The
Rush-leaved Jonquil (_N. juncifolius_) with roundish rush-like leaves is
closely related, its bright yellow blossoms being distinguished from
those of the Jonquil by being fewer and having broader ovate segments.
_N. triandrus_, popularly called "Ganymede's Cup," is a charming little
species with 1 to 6 pure-white flowers in which the segments are bent
back from the cup-shaped corona. There are several varieties, including
a lovely white one (_albus_) called "Angel's Tears," shown on Plate 5,
fig. 20. _Concolor_, pale yellow; _calathinus_, white or sulphur-yellow;
_pallidulus_, primrose-yellow; while _pulchellus_ has primrose-yellow
segments and a white corona.
The bulbs of _N. triandrus_ and its varieties being rather small--half
to three-quarters of an inch in diameter--the spots where they are
planted should be marked, otherwise they are apt to get lost or
destroyed. Until the stock is large they are probably safer grown in
pots in cold frames.
As new varieties and hybrids are being added each year, the reader who
wishes to grow novelties is advised to consult the bulb catalogues of
such firms as Messrs. Barr & Sons, Covent Garden; Messrs. Ware, Feltham;
Mr. Hartland, of Cork; Mr. Perry, Winchmore Hill, &c.
=NOTHOSCORDUM fragrans.=--A sturdy North American plant, 1 to 2 feet
high, with roundish oblong bulbs, having thick fleshy roots. It is
closely related to the Alliums, as may be seen by its umbels of white
starry flowers, the segments of which are keeled with lilac on the
outside.
This species grows in ordinary good garden soil of a gritty nature, and
is easily increased by offsets.
=ORNITHOGALUM= (_Star of Bethlehem_).--Although a large genus, only a
few species are considered worth growing, except in botanical
collections. The best known representative of the group is probably the
Common Star of Bethlehem (_O. umbellatum_), which is now naturalised in
copses and meadows in some parts of England, and may be utilised in the
same way in large gardens with an abundance of grass-land. The clusters
of pure-white starry blossoms appear in May and June, on stalks about 1
foot high, and are keeled with green behind. Very similar in appearance
are the flowers of _O. arabicum_, which, however, appear in June and
July, and are much larger, sometimes 2 inches across, with golden
anthers, and a shining black ovary in the centre, as shown in Plate 29,
fig. 107. Unfortunately, this species is rather tender in the colder
parts of the kingdom, and should be protected in winter. As an
alternative the plants may be grown in pots in cold greenhouses, or in
glasses of water in the same way as Hyacinths (see p. 84.) _O. nutans_,
the drooping white flowers of which are also shown on Plate 29, fig.
108, is almost as hardy as _O. umbellatum_, and may be naturalised in
the same way. _O. arcuatum_ has pure white erect flowers in May and June
on stalks 2 feet or more high. _O. pyramidale_, the white flowers of
which have a green stripe behind, and are borne on stalks 1-1/2 to 2
feet high in June and July, is another species worth growing in masses
in the shrubberies, or in the grass (see Plate 19, fig. 74); and _O.
pyrenaicum_, with pale yellow-green flowers may be given similar
treatment.
Ordinary well-drained garden soil of a more or less sandy nature will
suit the Ornithogalums. They are easily increased by offsets.
=PANCRATIUM.=--Most of the plants in this genus require to be grown in
heat and moisture under glass. Two species, however--both with clusters
of white sweet-scented flowers on stout stalks 1 to 2 feet high--can be
grown in the open air in the milder parts of the British Islands. They
are _P. illyricum_ and _P. maritimum_, both natives of Southern Europe.
They have large pear-shaped bulbs with a tapering neck 9 to 12 inches
long, and consequently require to be planted pretty deeply, say about a
foot in September. A well-drained sandy loam and leaf-soil suits them
best, and they may be increased by offsets.
=POLIANTHES tuberosa= (_Tuberose_).--Although what are known as African,
American, Italian, and Pearl Tuberoses, are usually grown in warm
greenhouses, nevertheless the plants may be grown with a fair degree of
success in the open air in the milder parts of the kingdom. The thickish
bulbs, about 2 inches through, may be planted out about the end of May,
only just covering the tops with an inch or two of soil. The thin and
narrow leaves will soon appear, and about August the pure waxy-white
heavily-scented blossoms will be thrown up on stalks 2 to 3 feet high,
that may require a thin stake to keep them erect. There are single and
double-flowered varieties, the latter being most popular for cultivation
under glass. For this purpose the bulbs may be treated as advised at p.
46.
=PUSCHKINIA scilloides.=--A charming little plant, with ovoid bulbs
about an inch through, and narrow leaves about 6 inches long. About
March and April the white or very pale blue blossoms appear, and are
decorated with a conspicuous deep-blue line down the centre of each
segment. Warm sheltered spots in the rock-garden or flower border, and a
compost of rich sandy loam and leaf-soil suit this plant best. The bulbs
should be planted, 3 or 4 inches deep, in September or October (but not
later), and may, if convenient, remain in the same spot for three or
four seasons without being lifted. This is best done when the foliage
has withered, and will give an opportunity for detaching the offsets to
increase the stock.
=SCHIZOSTYLIS coccinea.=--A charming South African plant, 2 to 3 feet
high, with the appearance of a Gladiolus in the sword-like leaves. The
brilliant crimson blossoms, each about 2 inches across, appear from
September to November, and consequently often get spoiled by the weather
unless protected. They are excellent for cutting and valuable so late in
the season. The plants flourish in rich sandy loam, peat and leaf-soil,
and are more satisfactory in the open air in the mildest parts of the
kingdom. In other parts they should be planted on a sheltered south
border where they can be protected in winter if necessary. Grown in
pots, the plants are popular for greenhouse decoration. Increase is
effected by dividing the thickish rootstocks in spring.
PLATE 28. GLADIOLUS NANCEIANUS (103) GLADIOLUS LEMOINEI (104) GLADIOLUS
CHILDSI (105)
=SCILLA= (_Squill_; _Bluebell_).--The Squills and Bluebells are amongst
the most charming of our spring-flowering bulbous plants, and it is
astonishing that they are not more extensively utilised for naturalising
in the grass, with Snowdrops, Crocuses, Narcissi, Chionodoxas, &c., with
which they harmonise so well. Preferring partially shaded spots, they
are particularly valuable for planting in woodland walks, and beneath
our native trees in parks and pleasure grounds. The hardier kinds
require practically no cultivation, and will flourish in any of the
places indicated or in ordinary garden soil in the rock-garden or flower
border. The best time to plant is about September and October, and as
the bulbs are 1-1/2 to 2 inches in diameter, they should be buried about
3 or 4 inches deep, and in hundreds and thousands if possible instead of
in twos and threes.
The best-known member of the genus is undoubtedly our Common British
Bluebell or Wood Hyacinth (_S. festalis_). It is to be found in
abundance in woods and copses, and from April to June sends up its tall
stalks of drooping bell-shaped flowers, the colour of which varies from
bluish-purple to white or pink, according to the several varieties, such
as _alba_, _rosea_, and _rubra_, &c.
Another fine species is the Spanish Bluebell (_S. hispanica_ or _S.
campanulata_), perhaps the finest-looking Bluebell in the open air. The
ordinary variety has porcelain-blue flowers on stalks a foot or more
high. It is surpassed in beauty, however, by its white variety _alba_,
which flowers freely and grows vigorously. There are also forms with
pink or rosy flowers, such as _rosea_ or _carnea_, _rubra_, &c., all of
which appear in April and May.
The species, however, that finds so much favour for autumn planting is
_S. sibirica_, a charming species, with purple-coated bulbs, and bright
porcelain-blue blossoms with more or less spreading segments. They
appear in February and March on stalks 3 to 6 inches high, but are more
numerous in the variety called _multiflora_ (see Plate 2, fig. 7). Owing
to its early blooming, it is of course a great favourite with other
early flowering plants.
Other kinds of Scilla that may be grown in the open air in the same way
as those already mentioned are:--The Star Hyacinth (_S. amoena_), which
requires rather warm sheltered spots. It has bright indigo blue flowers
with spreading segments from March to May. _S. bifolia_ grows 6 to 9
inches high, and produces its bright-blue, bell-shaped flowers in March.
There are several forms of it, such as _alba_, white, _rosea_, pale
rose, &c. _S. hyacinthoides_, bluish-lilac; _S. italica_, blue; _S.
verna_, porcelain-blue; _S. patula_, deep blue with white edges; and _S.
monophylla_, with blue or violet flowers, all appearing in April and
May.
Quite distinct in appearance from all these is _S. peruviana_, which, by
the way, is not a native of Peru, but of the Mediterranean region. It
has large, pear-shaped bulbs, and rosettes of leaves 6 to 12 inches
long, with bristly margins. The bright blue starry blossoms appear in
May and June, and are borne in broadly conical clusters, which elongate
during the flowering period. There are white (_alba_) and yellow
(_lutea_) varieties, the first-named of which is shown on Plate 17, fig.
69.
This species may be grown in warm sheltered spots in the border or
rock-garden, in dryish, well-drained soil. The bulbs should be planted 4
to 6 inches deep, and in cold localities should be protected from severe
frosts in winter.
Scillas may be increased by offsets taken from the old bulbs when the
foliage has withered.
=SISYRINCHIUM grandiflorum.=--This is the best garden plant out of about
fifty species. Like Schizostylis coccinea, it can scarcely be called a
"bulbous" plant, as it has only short thickened rootstocks. It grows
about a foot high, having striated leaves, and deep purple blossoms (as
shown in Plate 20, fig. 79), which, however, are white in the variety
_album_. It is an excellent plant for the rock-garden, where it should
be planted in bold clumps, in light sandy loam and peat. Increased by
division of the rootstocks about September.
=SPARAXIS.=--The plant best known under this name has been already
described as _Dierama pulcherrima_ at p. 71. The Sparaxis proper are
little known plants, the best known being (i) _grandiflora_, which grows
1 to 2 feet high, and has bell-shaped flowers of deep violet-purple in
April and May. There are many colour variations of this species
(including a white one), several of them having a deeper coloured blotch
at the base of the petals. (ii) _Tricolor_, resembles grandiflora in
appearance, but has rich orange-red blossoms with purple-brown blotches
on the yellow base of the petals. There are also several forms of this
species with white, rose, or purple flowers, all having a yellow centre
with distinct blotches at the base of the petals.
These South African plants require the same treatment as _Dierama
pulcherrima_ or the Ixias (see p. 89). They like warm sheltered spots in
the mildest parts of the kingdom, and when well-grown are very showy and
useful for cutting.
PLATE 29. ZEPHYRANTHES ATAMASCO (106) ORNITHOGALUM ARABICUM (107)
ORNITHOGALUM NUTANS (108)
=SPREKELIA formosissima= (_Jacobaea Lily_).--A fine Mexican plant, with
roundish bulbs 2 to 3 inches in diameter, and narrow strap-shaped leaves
12 to 18 inches long. In the open air the irregular bright crimson
blossoms, each about 6 inches across, appear about August, and never
fail to attract attention.